By Jimitota Onoyume

PORT HARCOURT—Leader of Niger Delta Vigilante, Chief Ateke Tom, has denied any link with Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, saying there was no time he took a decision under the aegis of MEND to endorse Governor Seriake Dickson for a second term.

Ateke Tom

Ateke, in a statement in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday, said he was shocked to see that he was listed among those that endorsed the governor for a second term under the banner of MEND in several online sites.

A statement by his media aide, Mr Joshua Opia, said Tom believed that power belongs to God, adding that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, should ensure that it conducts a free and fair election in Bayelsa State.

Opia said: “The statement circulated majorly in several online sites warned the presidency to stay clear of Bayelsa election. The picture of Ateke Tom was published as a member on the site. It is important to state clear that Ateke Tom is not a member of and is not aware of such meetings.”